From a former dumping ground to popular swimming destination, this Harbor Island is worth the boat ride.
Boston's fourth largest Harbor Island has gone from what the New York Times once called "a 100-acre hell hole, three miles from Boston," into the most idyllic refuge for birds, trees, plants and people. The former dumping ground for 4,000,000 cubic yards of material dug up during the Big Dig, a $165 million long-standing mandate from a federal judge has transformed it into today's go-to spot for swimming, bird-watching and hiking in a lush setting with stunning city views. 5 Reasons Why Spectacle Island is Awesome: 1. This is the highest spot in Boston Harbor and offers a 360-degree view of the harbor and the city. Spectacle Island consists of 105 acres, with a marina, visitor’s center, snack bar, two sandy beaches and five miles of …
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Featuring the worst-of-the-worst, less than 30 minutes away.
We love Back Bay, but sometimes we're looking for something a bit less refined. Think hipster vs. fashionista. Kickass vs. Sweet. So where do we go when we're craving a little more grit? Davis Square in Somerville. It's got the whole quirky thing down pat while also providing some great restaurant and shopping options. Anchoring the neighborhood is Somerville Theatre, one of our favorite theaters in Boston, which also houses The Museum of Bad Art downstairs. What's that, you ask? Well, it's exactly what it sounds like. A real museum that celebrates the worst of the worst. And some of it's been done by professionals. Not convinced it's worth the trip? Let us explain: 5 Reasons Why Someville Theatre & The MOBA are Awesome: 1. You might not …
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Sure you're acquainted with the Green Monster, but she's only 15 minutes away... isn't it time you got to know her a little better?
You're a Bostonian. You've been to Fenway. That much we can safely surmise. And of course you've heard of the Fenway Park Tours. You probaby recommended them to your friends from out of town. But have you ever actually been on one? No? Well, you should get on that asap and here's why: 5 Reasons Why Fenway Park Tours are Awesome: 1. Backstage pass to special parts of the park including the press box, Green Monster seats, luxury boxes and more. 2. Super-knowledgeable tour guides. 3. Really good Yankee jokes. 4. Cheap tickets: $12 for adults, $11 for seniors, $10 for kids. 5. You're going up and down lots of stairs so yeah, you totally deserve a Fenway dog and no, you don't have to feel guilty about it. On non-game days, tours run daily 9 a.…
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Here's a list of some of the places where you can sample the tastes of the world without leaving the neighborhood.
American Asian French Indian International Italian Latin American/Mexican Mediterranean Go back to Patch Passport Homepage
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A perfect place to uncover some fashionable finds and unique gifts for friends.
A trip to Back Bay is not complete without walking down Newbury Street and purchasing something fashionable and unique along the famous shopping artery. Matsu is disguised as a high-end boutique; well actually that's what it is. It's where you can buy a one-of-a-kind dress ($580) or skirt ($195-$295) by local designer Nirva Derbekyan (the pattern was inspired by a friend's parrot, and then a National Geographic article on 'Birds of Paradise' in Papua New Guinea.) But the shop is also chock full of items you wouldn't expect: rare botanic candles in scents like 'pink pepper' and 'thorn apple' ($38-$82); vintage glass bottles ($10); Syrian olive oil soaps ($12); handmade velvet cards ($8.50); Japanese 'Faces of the Moon' stress balls ($38), …
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Body wraps, water treatments and a rooftop garden provide all the luxury you could ever want.
A calming sanctuary in the heart of Back Bay, Emerge Spa & Salon has it all, and then some. By all, we mean a salon with hair, make-up and nails services, and a spa with massages, facials, body scrubs and wraps, hair removal, baths, specialty treatments like reiki and reflexology, and unique rituals for extra relaxation. By and then some we mean a rooftop garden where you can feel the warm breeze as you relax beneath an umbrella; a fireside lounge to cozy up and recevie some nourishment from the spa luncheon menu; and a classic men's club for masculine grooming (think barbershop warm lather shaves and sport manicures and pedicures) surrounded by rich mahogany and a flat screen T.V. They've also got a VIP suite featuring an Italian marble …
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Step back to the 18th century. Charles Gibson Jr. left his preserved home as a time-capsule that offers visitors a taste of Bostonian social history and period culture.
Get a glimpse into the 19th century when you step into The Gibson House Museum, a Victorian era time-capsule nestled amongst the brownstone buildings at 137 Beacon Street. Built in 1860, it was one of only 15 houses in Back Bay, which had recently been filled in three years prior. Boston architect Edward Clarke Cabot designed the he Italian Renaissance style house for widowed Catherine Hammond Gibson and her son Charles. It's been more than 50 years since a family member lived there, and the museum owes its existence to Charles Gibson Jr. He knew he wanted to make the house a museum when he inherited it and began roping off sections in 1936 to preserve the house as it was in his childhood. “Charlie" a childless and confirmed bachelor, was …
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9:36 am on Friday, August 5, 2011
Thanks Susan and Jackie. And sorry about that! more ›
Take advantage of time with your kids and get out and enjoy these great local hot spots.
Clarendon Street Playground For the children of the Back Bay, Clarendon Street Playground is an exclusive, gated community: You have to be with someone tall enough to gain entry. The ritual starts by having your mom/dad/babysitter unlatch the large iron gate, which is faithfully kept closed by all who enter and exit, the better to contain the small and mobile. Leave your stroller parked alongside the granite amphitheater, and at six months, you start at the infant swings, where the baby next to you and his parent might become your new best friends. A few months later, a few feet away, you'll crawl on the small jungle gym and with mom's help, be guided down your first slide. Just past that is the sandbox. Toys here and throughout the …
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Artists, authors, wine, language classes and a very large library will provide you with a little 'je ne sais quoi.'
You've probably seen the French Cultural Center at 53 Marlborough St. But unless you're French, chances are you've kept on walking. Big mistake. As the name implies, it's a language school and cultural center worth checking out. Art In addition to having the second largest private collection of French books, movies, music and more, they have a beautiful gallery space (there's a gorgeous chandelier and rustic fireplace) with rotating displays - like artist Sharon Appel who celebrated the beauty and the cultural richness of French Polynesia throughout the month of May. Events Cultural programs include everything from art exhibits, to book and Scrabble clubs, to meet and greets and wine tastings. Highlights include an evening of …
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Patch will help be your guide as you become a tourist in your neighborhood.
Patch will help be your guide as you become a tourist in your neighborhood. Whether you're new to the area or want to explore the city you've loved for years, we're here to show you what there is to see. Check back to Back Bay Patch daily to see what excursion is next. We will feature stories, photos and videos showing off the best of Back Bay. And you can tell us what you love, and we'll include it as part of our project. We hope this project encourages you to shop local, eat local and be local. Patch wants to show you how much your own neighborhood has to offer. And although everything will appear this week, it's not going anywhere. This page will remain a resource for you all year long. Whenever you're hosting visitors or need a …
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BackBayRes
7:12 am on Saturday, July 30, 2011
Nice list, but out of date (shame on you), incomplete, and inaccurate. Pazzo is closed. Erbalaluce is in Bay Village, not the Back Bay. And you forgot several great ones, including Douzo (Asian), Deux Ave (French), and Vlora (Mediterranian). And actually, I think Tapeo is Spanish not Latin American. Oh, and what about Cafe Jaffe? more ›